TAILS will be wagging with the launch of a tourism award scheme with a difference.

With more bark than bite, the Dog Friendly Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards are designed to champion responsible pet ownership and recognise the efforts of local business making the area a dog friendly destination.

Many don’t leave home without their four legged friends and the awards, organised by Pembrokeshire Tourism and Burns Pet Nutrition, are a chance to nominate those places that make all the family feel at home.

Tourism liaison manager, Dennis O’Connor, said: “The tourism economy is extremely important to Pembrokeshire and with an increase in staycations reported last year the Dog Friendly Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards present us with a unique marketing opportunity.

“We are delighted to be collaborating on this with Burns Pet Nutrition, a highly respected and ethical company and pleased that the awards will be judged by the Burns by Your Side Reading Dog teams who already do so much excellent work in communities across the county.”

The awards will also promote the Countryside Code and Burn’s reading dog project, By Your Side.

The categories for the awards are:

* Best Dog Friendly Beach

* Best Dog Friendly Town / Village

* Best Dog Friendly Holiday Accommodation

* Best Dog Friendly Pub / Restaurant / Café

* Best Dog friendly Day Out / Attraction

* Best Dog friendly Caravan / Campsite

Nominations for the awards are open until February 27 with judging taking place throughout Match.

The winners will be announced a special ceremony at Slebech Park Estate on May 23.

Members of the public, visitors, tourism operators, community councils and local tourism associations are encouraged to submit nominations online at www.pembrokeshiretourismawards.net